We have seen how Frederick, at the beginning of his reign, had caused
Henry, who was already in possession of Saxony, to be acknowledged
Duke of Bavaria in place of Henry Jasomirgott, who was conciliated by
the gift of the new duchy of Austria. From that moment Henry the
Lion's power had steadily grown. He increased his glory, and above all
his territory, by constant wars against the Wends, developing a
hitherto unheard-of activity in the matter of peopling Slavic lands
with German colonists. The bishoprics of Lubeck, Ratzeburg and
Schwerin owed to him their origin, while he it was who caused the
marshy lands around Bremen to be reclaimed and cultivated.

When, on various occasions, conspiracies were formed against Henry by
other Saxon nobles, the Emperor had boldly and successfully taken his
part, helping in person to quell the insurgents; in 1162 he had
prevented the Duke of Austria and the King of Bohemia from trying to
bring about their rival's downfall.

A marriage with Matilda, daughter of the King of England, had
increased the great Saxon's influence; and during the continued
absences of the Emperor in Italy his rule was kingly in all but name.
In 1171 he affianced his daughter to the son of King Waldemar of
Denmark, and by this alliance secured his new colonies from Danish
hostility.

In actual extent and productiveness his estates fairly surpassed those
of his imperial cousin, and the defection of such a man signified the
death knell of the latter's cause.

The battle of Legnano, fought on May 29, 1176, ended in disaster and
defeat. Frederick himself, who was wounded and thrown from his horse,